Bengals bring back a familiar face to their practice squad at the perfect time
The Cincinnati Bengals are back to a full 16-man practice squad entering Week 7 as a familiar face has rejoined the locker room. Cincinnati announced the signing of edge defender Raymond Johnson III to the club's practice squad Wednesday morning. Johnson spent the 2022 season on the Bengals' practice squad. He was originally signed as […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are back to a full 16-man practice squad entering Week 7 as a familiar face has rejoined the locker room.
Cincinnati announced the signing of edge defender Raymond Johnson III to the club's practice squad Wednesday morning.
Johnson spent the 2022 season on the Bengals' practice squad. He was originally signed as a college free agent by the New York Giants in 2021 and spent his rookie season with his first team.
In 2023, Johnson shined for the Bengals during preseason action and made a run at a roster spot. He posted eight pressures and two sacks during the three-game slate two Augusts ago. The Bengals ultimately made him a part of final cuts and wanted him back on the practice squad. He turned down that offer and joined the Detroit Lions' practice squad instead and spent the entire season in Detroit. This year, he's spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Reacquiring Johnson comes at a great time for the Bengals as two of their practice squad edge defenders have recently been plucked by other teams. KJ Henry recently signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, and Isaiah Thomas was added to the Lions' roster following Aidan Hutchinson's devastating injury.
The Bengals are also in a great place in terms of health. Sam Hubbard and Myles Murphy are fully back from their injuries, which has given the defensive line a needed boost. Five edge defenders are on the active roster and the fifth on the depth chart, rookie Cedric Johnson, was a healthy scratch last Sunday against the Giants.
Johnson isn't going to be needed unless more injuries occur, but having him back in the fold is a positive move for the Bengals.
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